07/15/2019

Welcome to Week 2 of The Pasha CAL feel free to look back over the blog to find the Pasha Square. If you'd like to purchase the entire pattern in pdf form you can find that in my RAVELRY STORE

This week we there are a couple options you can take with your Pasha's. Did you make one square and want to continue on then scroll down a little bit, your directions will be first. If you've made more than one Pasha (or if you've joined me from Patchwork Mystery CAL HIIIIII! These directions will match up with your squares too!) you can follow the tutorial below for a forgiving, fun, and adventurous join as you go. Make sure you're awake and ready to tackle a new skill. Sometimes, even for me, it takes a minute to wrap my head around exactly what I'm doing.

Please tag me or use #pashacal #shelbysheasstitches to share your work on social media.

JOINING

Stitches:

Sl-st: slip stitch

sk: skip

sc: single crochet

dc: double crochet

V-st: V-stitch- (dc, ch-1, dc) into same stitch

HV-st: V-st, ch-1

V-st corner: (V-st, ch-2, V-st) into same stitch

bpsc: back post single crochet

Notes:

Notes about the start of each round:

If you one yarn, sl-st to the corner at the start of each round, and chain indicated amount.

If you are alternating yarns without cutting, ch-3, sl-st to closest corner and chain the indicated amount.

If you are cutting colors join yarn in any corner with a sl-st.

None of the starting chains count as a stitch

If you are making multiple squares and having a hard time deciding on a layout try taking pictures in black and white. This will help with the balance of color.

For this example, I made 5 solid squares, and 4 with alternating rounds.

If you’re joining 4 squares follow the order for 1, 3, 9, 7.

If you’re using making one continuous piece, this will be the only round that is vastly different.

Counts at the end of the rounds will be included for a solid piece, and for a 3 X 3. If you are working one continuous square follow this next section then skip to the Transition Rounds on page 13

Number your squares in a snake type pattern. Row 1 is numbered left to right, Row 2 is right to left, Row 3 is left to right, and so on.

Stack your squares with the last square on the bottom and the first square on the top.

How to Join: This is more of a tutorial than a pattern. It’s wordy. If you’re needing a visual, there are plenty of Youtube videos if you search for “continuous join as you go” methods. I will be creating my own video tutorial shortly.Square 1:

05/20/2019

These Dragon Egg Bags have been so much fun to create. I think I made 13 versions over the course of a week or so. Please share your creations and tag me or #shelbysheasstitches

Dragon Egg Bag

MATERIALS

Caron Cotton Cakes in two colors

I/5.5 mm hook

Stitch markers (optional)

Scissors

Needle

STITCHES

MR- magic ring

Sl-st - slip stitch

Sk- skip

Ch- chain

Sc- single crochet

Hdc- half double crochet

Dc- double crochet

Fsc- foundation single crochet

X-st- X stitch (X-stitches are worked over 4 stitch spaces, and two rounds of work).Skip first ch-1 space, working in front of dc from previous round, dc into the next unworked sc from two rounds below, go back to skipped stitches - sc 2, working in front- dc into first skipped sc/ch-1 space.

NOTES

dc of even rounds are only worked into sc

End each round with a sl-st to the first stitch, not the chains.

It is extremely important to weave in your first end (where the magic ring starts) securely. This will be the base of the bag and exposed to a lot of pressure.

If the number is before the stitch (2dc) you will work all stitches into the same spot. If the number comes after the stitch (dc 2) you will work the stitches consecutively.

When passing passive yarn, move loop and tail to the back of your work.

You can use a stitch marker or leave a long tail on the passive yarn

SIZING

To increase the size of your bag, continue the increase in the same fashion as rounds 1-5, increasing by 12 each round. Start back at Round 6 in the pattern, Continue the X-stitch rounds until desired height.

Notes for handle rounds:

Divide total number of stitches by 4. Write that number here ______

Scnumber from Step 1 in third loop.

Multiply number from Step 1 by 1.5 (round up). Write that number here ______

Fsc number from Step 3.

Skip number of stitches from Step 1.

Sc number of stitches from Step 1.

Fsc number from Step 3.

Skip number of stitches from Step 1.

Sl-st to first sc.

10.Add Step 1 and Step 3. _____. Multiply by 2 _____. This will be your final stitch count for that round.

Round 7: with color A pull up a long loop or attach a stitch marker, join color b with a sl-st to the third dc after join. ch-1, (sc in next 2 dc, X-st) 10 times, sl-st to first sc. (20 sc, 10 X-st)Round 8: switch to color A, ch-2, dc in sc, dc in next sc, ch-1, sk-dc, (dc 2, ch-1, sk-1 dc) 19 times, join with a sl-st to first dc. (40 dc, 20 ch-1)

Round 9: switch to color B. ch-3, sk dc 2 and ch-1, sc into next dc, this will be above an X-st from the previous X-st round, sc in next dc, X-st, (sc 2, X-st) 9 times, sl-st to first sc. (20 sc, 10 X-st)

If you'd like a pdf version with the extra variations head over to my Ravelry Store

If you'd like to give a couple dollars towards the artist I encourage you to be me a coffee at Ko-fi where I'm raising funds towards video equipment to start releasing all patterns in video format. Or pledge over on Patreon for exclusive content.

05/19/2019

Welp. Things are happening that are making me feel really, really big feelings. The result of that was rage designing a uterus when I couldn't find what I was looking for. Here is Gladys the Uterus pillow. Use whatever yarn, use whatever hook. Just make sure your stitches are tight (so mabey a hook or two down in size) if you plan to stuff it. I know several people who have talked about mailing flat ones to politicians.

Uterus pillow

Materials:

Comfy Cotton- you can use any yarn, just go down 1-2 hook sizes for a dense stitch

4.5mm hook

Pollyfil

Scissors

Sewing needle

Safety eyes (for kawaii version)

Puffy paint (for Kawaii version)

Notes:

This is different than amigurumi, so no need to super stuff the pillow.

Stuff it, make it flat, leave it open on the top and tell them to stuff it themselves.

Cross stitch, puffy paint, or safety eyes are all great ways to play it up.

The pictures I'm using for the example were taking at various points through out the day. I ran out of natural light but wanted to get the pattern out ASAP.

Stitches:

Ch- chain

Sl-st- slip stitche

Fsc- foundation single crochet (here is a great video I use when it's been a while since making this stitch.

Sc - single crochet

Inc- 2sc in same stitch

Dec- 2sc together over two stitches

Panels (make 2 for pillow)

Row 1: fsc 6, ch-1, turn (6 fsc)

Row 2: sc 6, ch-1, turn (6 sc)

Row 3: sc 6, ch-1, turn (6 sc)

Row 4: inc 2, sc 2, inc 2, ch-1, turn (10 sc)

Row 5: inc 2, sc 6, inc 2, ch-1, turn (14 sc)

Row 6: sc 14, ch-1, turn (14 sc)

Row 7: sc, dec 2, sc 4, dec 2, sc, ch-1, turn (10 sc)

Row 8: sc, dec, sc 4, dec, sc, ch-1, turm ( 8 sc)

Row 9: sc 8, ch-1, turn ( 8 sc)

Row 10: inc, sc 6, inc, ch-1, turn (10 sc)

Row 11: inc, sc 8, inc, ch-1, turn (12 sc)

Row 12: inc, sc 10, inc, ch-1, turn (14 sc)

Row 13: inc, sc 12, inc, ch-1, turn (16 sc)

Row 14: inc, sc 14, inc, ch-1, turn (18 sc)

Row 15: inc, sc 16, inc, ch-1, turn (20 sc)

Row 16: sc 20, ch-1, turn (20 sc)

Row 17: sc 20, ch-1, turn (20 sc)

Row 18: sc 20, ch-1, turn (20 sc)

Row 19: sc 20, you’ll work these stitches away from the base, this is where the fallopian tubes are started fsc 12, ch-1, turn (20 sc, 12 fsc)

If you'd like to give a couple dollars towards the artist I encourage you to be me a coffee at Ko-fi where I'm raising funds towards video equipment to start releasing all patterns in video format. Or pledge over on Patreon for exclusive content.

05/15/2019

Wow. My crafting takes twists and turns that I do not expect. Sometimes a design comes to me, and I have to literally stop everything and make that. That was the Dragon Scale bag. I think I made 12 or 13 bags over a week and a half. While that was pretty awesome, it also means I'm about 2 weeks behind on my ALREADY started projects. OH and on top of it, I started two new projects this week.

Patchwork Mystery/Pasha CAL

It's my week over at the Patchwork Mystery CAL and I'm featuring the Pasha Square. The other super exciting part of this blanket is that it'll be a part of my next blanket crochet-a-long. This is my scrappy rainbow version, which will be my first take on the idea in my head. Next up will be my Mandala version that I'm working in blue/greys mandala mill end and Wellness Baby from Michaels in gray. My goals for this blanket it to use purely stash until the join. I surprising have ZERO black yarn in my stash. I will weave in all my ends before I join. IwillIwillIwill.

Sunshine Super Star

On Mother's Day my girls gave me two sparkle Mandala cakes in Draco. I had to stop everything and start a new project. I picked out Sunshine Super Star by Hooked on Sunshine. This is the 3rd HoS pattern I have in my current WIP pile. I am almost done with the 2nd cake, and I plan to pin it to my daughters' wall. I'll make smaller versions with some other deconstructed Mandala I have. I'm so energized by this project. The colors are fun, and I know the girls will adore them. If you haven't tried out a HoS pattern you should. Not only are the patterns easy to read, and photo heavy, the group is incredibly supportive when you get hung up.

Even though my WIP is huge, I figured just showing the two I'm working on currently would be fun.

Happy Hooking!

As always, if you'd like to provide additional support I have a couple of options. One is to buy me a "coffee" through ko-fi , here I am focusing on raising money for equipment to record all of my patterns. My phone isn't quite cutting it anymore. Or, you can join me over at patreon where funds are more focuses on time.

05/13/2019

Hello Everyone! Thank you for joining us in this adventure. A few months ago we were all brought together, not having an idea on what this group would look like. To say we are amazed, and grateful is the biggest understatement.

A little bit about myself. I wear a lot of labels: wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and many more. I love to create, and found that I'm most successful in creating with yarn. Although I love to write, doodle, paint, and build- I do not have the patience for them like I do with crochet. I have been crocheting for 15 + years. My mom taught me from a sampler style blanket. I wish I would have kept the squares I made, they were ALL OVER THE PLACE. I threw it away at one point. About 10 years ago I joined the Vanna's Choice Fan Club on Ravelry. From there I started swapping 12 inch squares with women from all over. This is the place where I first discovered my love for design. However, weddings, home buying, and children pushed that to the back burner.

Last summer I was out with some friends and busted my ankle on the dance floor. One, I was wearing converse so no crazy shoes. Two, I was literally walking when my ankle gave out. Point of this story is that I was laid up for 8 weeks and Retrograde was born. From there I've been trying to keep up with , or at least keep notes of, all the designs swimming around in my head.

I love, love, love texture. I love designs that look great as a solid square, but also can be experimented with. Most of my designs will work well with self stripping yarns like Mandala, Caron cakes, and various cakes.

Without further waiting, here is the design! If you'd like to have a PDF copy of this pattern, hop on over to my Ravelry store. For the duration of the CAL use coupon code PCM19 for half off.

Pasha is a 12 inch square designed for those who are also obsessed with bean stitches and lots of texture. This square is featured in the Patchwork Mystery CAL. For any additional help, please join my facebook group Shelby Shea's Stitches CAL

Round 12:all stitches are made in the 3rd loops, ch-2, [hdc in 3rd loop across to corner, (hdc, ch-2, hdc) in ch-2 sp, sl-st to first hdc. (26 hdc/ hdc, ch-2, hdc)

Round 13:all stitches are worked in the 3rd loop. ch-1, (sc in 3rd loop across to corner, 3sc in ch-2 sp) 4 times, sl-st to first sc. (28 sc/ 3sc)Round 14:start in an even stitch, see notes. ch-2, [(bean, sk-1) across until 2 stitches left, sk-2 (bean, ch-2, bean) into center sc] 4 times, sl-st to top of bean. (14 bean/ bean, ch-2, bean)

Round 15: all stitches worked into BLO, stitches are worked into the top of the bean, and the ch-1 st. ch-1, (sc in each stitch across to corner, 3 sc in ch-2 sp) 4 times, sl-st to first sc. ( 32 sc / 3sc)

Round 16:all stitches are worked in BLO. ch-2, [hdc in each stitch across to corner, (2hdc, ch-2, 2hdc) in center sc] 4 times, sl-st to first hdc. (34 hdc/ 2hdc, ch-2, 2hdc)

Rounds 17:all stitches are worked in the 3rd loop. ch-1, (sc in 3rd loop in each stitch across to corner, 3sc in ch-2 sp), 4 times, sl-st to first sc to join. (36 sc/ 3sc)

Cut yarn. Weave in ends.

Please head on over the facebook group or the Ravelry group to share your progress!

As always, if you'd like to provide additional support I have a couple of options. One is to buy me a "coffee" through ko-fi , here I am focusing on raising money for equipment to record all of my patterns. My phone isn't quite cutting it anymore. Or, you can join me over at patreon where funds are more focuses on time.

04/29/2019

Head on over the Courtney's blog Made with love . Not only will you find all of her versions of the PMC, she has a whole set of play food ami. SUPER CUTE!

My thoughts on Week 3

My absolute favorite type of squares are ones that are worked in the round. I love unique stitches, great texture, and easy to follow. This did not disappoint. Feel free to slow down and take each stitch, step by step. Everything is totally doable, and sometimes just need to breath before starting again. I added a few BLO only rounds, I feel this enhances the texture when working with a "solid" yarn. I also got a little carried away and added an extra row of SC. It came a little larger than the other because that, plus the stitch count is off. BUT I already joined it with the others and there's absolutely no issue. I cannot wait to show you them all together!

Disclaimer: Each week the designer is autonomous in her designing. This means stitches maybe called different terms, tension is different, and general layout varies. This also means that each designer has a choice at delivering extra content. Please reach out to the designer directly for addition support or join us at Patchwork Mystery CAL on facebook.

04/22/2019

To find everything you need to know about this block, head over to Jessica's spot over at Crochet Anything There you will find the pattern, a video, and how to download a FREE PDF.

My thoughts on Week 2

If you love corner to corner construction you are going to love this square. It offers enough change in each row to keep my interest, and no need to figure out how to make it a solid square! The texture is the squishiest. Be aware of your stitches, between the hdc and post stitches it's easy to accidentally add stitches. Since it's worked in the diagonal, it's also easy to miscount your rows. I kept close track of which row by literally drawing a tick mark in my notebook. The first time I added an extra row and had to frog the whole thing to get back on track. Keep your stitches tight to keep from getting gaps between the post stitches. For the first round that you work in the round, i chose to do a (ch-1, sc) across each side because I struggle hard with even stitching. This is a little more forgiving in appearance and tightness. I also chose to do 3 sc in the corners purely out of habit. At the end my square did lean a bit, but blocking would straighten everything out. I went ahead and joined mine and has no ill-effect on my blanket.

Want more and not sure where to find us? Check out Facebook and Ravelry for more!

Disclaimer: Each week the designer is autonomous in her designing. This means stitches maybe called different terms, tension is different, and general layout varies. This also means that each designer has a choice at delivering extra content. Please reach out to the designer directly for addition support or join us at Patchwork Mystery CAL on facebook.

Happy Hooking!

If you like what you've read and want to support but not sure how? Buy me a Ko-fi this helps me build my equipment to start offering video tutorials, provide more free content, and create more unexpected designs. Thank you for your continued love and support!

04/15/2019

Picture this, I've posted the Oprah .gif where she's holding her microphone in one hand, leaning back with both arms open, and "EVERY ONE GETS A CAR!" You know which one I'm talking about, right? This is how I feel right now. We've been planning this Crochet a long for ages. Are you new to Crochet-a-longs? The are all ran a little bit different but the main point is that everyone is working together on the same time line. Fall a little behind? No worries, work at your own pace and join as much or as little as you'd like.

For the Patchwork Mystery CAL , PMC, we'll be releasing one afghan block a week. Each week a different designer will be featured. What luck! You have found yourself at Week 1. This week's square is Star Portal Square. Check out here post HERE. If you'd like to follow along with the larger group join us on the Patchwork Mystery CAL Facebook Group

I'm not gonna lie, I ripped this more times than I'd like to admit. It was middle of the day, I was in an antibiotic, sinus infection fog, and just not paying attention. I really had to take my time to figure out where my starting stitch landed on the pattern. That is always one of the biggest challenges when working without cutting the yarn. I could cut the yarn and start where the pattern states, BUT I don't. I DETEST weaving in ends and would rather spend extra time working out the placement. My centers, where the post stitches are, do pull in a bit. I'm not one bit worried about what that'll look like once it's joined. It's not tight at all , just needs the support from the other squares.

04/07/2019

There has been a lot happening between the scenes. A few months ago I responded to a request looking for designers. Since then 12 of us have come together and created an exciting crochet-a-long. We have designed squares independent of each other but they blend together so beautifully. Ready for the details (as I know them).

Yarn, Hooks, and Ramblings! OH MY!

The patterns are designed too use a worsted weight yarn, and the squares will come out to roughly 12 inches. Me being the Mandala obsessed that I am, had to go against that. I'll be using Mandala Chimera. It's a beautiful muted rainbow-eque color way. My favorite part is how the colors heather. I was able to get 4 squares from each cake, for a total for 3 cakes before the join and border. At this point I'm not sure if I will join in a solid color or a different mandala. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I like a lighter feel when working with mandala and tend to use an H/5mm hook. In various projects I've ranged from an G/4.5mm to a I/5.5mm. Feel free to use whatever hook gives you happiness, just be aware how this will effect your final size.

The Plan

Every week I will post here, there, and everywhere. Hopefully you will not miss the memo. The first spot it'll drop is right here on this page. My post will include pictures of my version of the square, any adjustments I've made, and how to find the pattern. The first block to be released will happen on April 15th. If you're looking for more community that just a couple of blog posts I have groups on Ravelry and Facebook, there's a Instagram hashtag #patchworkmysteryCAL, and the CAL has it's on facebook group. I'll have everything linked at www.shelbysheasstitches.com for you to find your favorite! What social media are you more drawn to use?

So what now?

Our beautiful leader on this project, Anastasia from Journey Chanel Designs said it best:

taken from the group facebook page.

Patchwork Mystery CAL is a group of 12 designers who each designed a 12" sqaure that best represents THEM as a designer. Starting April 15th & ending July 2nd.

Each week we will direct you to a new designer's blog. Where she will showcase her sqaure as well as give the pattern. While doing so she will talk about how she came up with the design & how it represents her.

At the end of the CAL, the designers will announce winners.

Prizes include everything from hooks, yarn, free patterns, special coupon codes, and other fun crochet stuff!

Our goal is to have fun, crochet together, help everyone learn new crochet skills and enjoy this wonderful craft together.

02/21/2019

We are here! The border!! Thank you all for your incredible patience on this CAL. I'm a bit more removed than I'd like to be. I hope to revisit both of my CAL's later on this year and provide videos along with the written pattern.

If this is your first time reading my blog, check out the following links on where to start. Join me in my facebook group, Ravelry group, or any of my social medias. All of which can be found at www.shelbysheasstitches.com